May 1, 2020 On Friday, April 17, the need for internet equity intensified for students in the

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. Governor Kim Reynolds announced students will

not return to the classroom again this school year. As learning is now offered online, access and

equity of internet services are a pressing issue for many Grinnell families. In order to bridge the

digital divide, the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation established an emergency fund to assist

families who cannot afford wifi expenses. To date, GNSF has received $10,000 dollars in total

contributions, including major gifts from Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual, and the Claude W.

and Dolly Ahrens Foundation.

Emergency Fund contributions may be mailed to 1510 Penrose Street, P.O. Box 344, Grinnell,

IA 50112. Please write Emergency Fund in the memo line of your check. You may also donate

online at grinnellsf.org .

GNSF is proud to stand in solidarity with our teachers, administrators, students, and families

during this difficult time. According to Elizabeth Hansen, GNSF Executive Director, the

Foundation recently underwent a branding exploration and “the new logo symbolizes the

Foundation’s determination to emerge from this experience stronger and more unified to achieve

educational excellence.”

A local task force has been created to study the issue of internet equity and access. Members of

the task force include Amy Blanchard, GPCF, Steve Bennett Mahaska Communications Group,

Donnette Ellis, Grinnell College, Terese Grant, League of Women Voters/GNSF, Liz Hansen,

GNSF, Malissa Juni, GNSF/GMS, Rachael Kinnick, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Chelsey

Kolpin, GNSF/GHS/GMS, Mindy Kostow, Technology Director – GNCSD, Natalie Leasure,

Mahaska Communications Group, Mary Lindberg, GNSF, Amy Miller, GMS, Karen Neal,

Drake Community Library, Monique Shore, Drake Community Library, Sarah Smith,

GNSF/Grinnell College, Temitayo Wolff, AmeriCorps member serving at Drake Community

Library. Individuals interested in exploring the issue are encouraged to join. Please contact Liz

Hansen, GNSF Executive Director, at gnsfexecutivedirector@gmail.com .

GNSF is a partner organization of Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, a non-profit

organization that assists donors in efficiently and effectively supporting charitable organizations

that make life better for people in the area.